Benefits of mindfulness in motherhood

Carla Watson
May 29
3 min read

The Transformative Power of Mindfulness in Motherhood

In the whirlwind of motherhood, amidst the chaotic symphony of diaper changes, bedtime stories, and endless snack requests, it lies a serene oasis called mindfulness. A shelter, a soothing balm, a simple yet often forgotten tool for every mother (father and carer too).

This ancient practice isn't just for dedicated masters secluded in mountain temples —it's a lifeline for modern-day women, moms navigating the beautiful and unpredictable waves of raising tiny humans.

The Benefits of Mindfulness for Moms

Mindfulness isn't about escaping the reality of motherhood; it's about embracing it with clarity and compassion. Research shows that integrating mindfulness into daily life can lead to:

1. Stress: By tuning into the present moment, moms can let go of worries about the past and anxieties about the future, finding peace in the here and now.

Mindfulness helps reduce parental stress, giving you a buffer against those "I just stepped on a Lego" moments. A 2016 study published in Mindfulness journal found that mothers who engaged in mindfulness practices experienced significant reductions in parenting stress and greater emotional regulation.

Bazzano et al., 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27479643/\

2. Improved Emotional Regulation: Parenthood comes with a rollercoaster of emotions. Mindfulness helps moms respond to their children (and themselves) with patience and empathy.

Mindfulness helps moms respond rather than react. According to a 2019 meta-analysis in Clinical Psychology Review, mindfulness-based interventions improve emotional regulation, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in parents.

Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., & Griffiths, M. D. (2015). Mindfulness and the transformation of destructive emotions: Theoretical foundations and practical considerations. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 24, 130–136.

Burgdorf, V., Szabó, M., & Abbott, M. J. (2019). The effect of mindfulness interventions for parents on parenting stress and youth psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1336.

3. Enhanced Well-being: From better sleep to increased resilience, mindfulness supports overall mental and physical health, crucial for the demanding job of motherhood.

A 2015 randomized clinical trial in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that mindfulness meditation improves insomnia symptoms and fatigue—a literal dream for sleep-deprived moms.

Black, D. S., O'Reilly, G. A., Olmstead, R., Breen, E. C., & Irwin, M. R. (2015). Mindfulness Meditation and Improvement in Sleep Quality and Daytime Impairment Among Older Adults With Sleep Disturbances: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 494–501. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2109037

4. Stronger Parent-Child Bond: By being fully present with their children, moms deepen their connection and create lasting memories rooted in mindfulness.

Mindfulness in parenting is linked to increased empathy and patience, improving child-parent relationships. This paper explicitly discusses how mindful parenting enhances parent-child relationships, improves emotional attunement, and reduces reactivity — perfect for that section of the blog!

Bögels, S. M., Lehtonen, A., & Restifo, K. (2010). Mindful parenting in mental health care. Mindfulness, 1(2), 107–120. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-010-0014-5

5 Tips to Cultivate Mindfulness in Motherhood

Start Small, Be Consistent: Begin with mini-mindfulness moments throughout the day—pause to take a few deep breaths while stirring dinner or waiting at the school gate.
Mindful Moments with Kids: Turn routine activities like bath time or bedtime stories into opportunities to be fully present with your child, savoring each precious moment.
Create a Sacred Space: Whether it's a cozy corner with cushions or a serene garden nook, carve out a space where you can retreat for a few moments of mindfulness each day.
Practice Non-judgmental Awareness: Notice your thoughts and feelings without labeling them as 'good' or 'bad.' Acceptance fosters inner peace and reduces unnecessary stress.
Join a Mindfulness Community: Seek out local or online groups of like-minded moms or attend mindfulness workshops and retreats to cultivate mindfulness in a supportive environment.

Healing in isolation is possible, its just really hard. I can help you navigate this new chapter in your life.

I believe in empowering moms to thrive through mindfulness. Diving deeper into your own journey doesn't have one path, there are many options. from 1:1 spaces and group spaces like our upcoming Summer of Self-Love This heart led half day retreat will gift us a path to shake off tension, offer space for reflection and deep kind connection. Lights snacks will be provided and the gorgeous Soul Nourishing Retreat in Wales A Transformational Retreat for Women, this wellness weekend is a sanctuary for women seeking deep release, renewal, and sisterhood, guided by powerful practices that nurture the body and spirit.